Chinese-style recipes are often perfect for one, because many of them are made at top speed. The trouble is that Westerners are often inclined to add a little extra cooking time, and the end result can be just that little bit overdone.

The flavour of orange zest does something quite magical to the flavour of rhubarb, and this light, fluffy meringue pie is a perfect dessert for late spring. ‘Pile-it-high meringue', incidentally, applies only if you have extra egg whites to use up..

Those who claim not to be able to make pastry will love this easy American rhubarb pie, as presentation skills really aren't needed! It's also lower in calories than a conventional pie as the top is left uncovered.